Product ReviewsManipulator by Fall of Troy (CD, 2007)

The Fall of Troy - Manipulator

The Fall of Troy's new album Manipulator can easily be summed up in just a few words: "Beautifully mind-blowing!" Mukilteo, Washington's Prog-Rock trio,The Fall of Troy, has greatly surpassed what I expected of them. TFOT has continued to grow and mature instrumentally and vocally, proving that young kids in their early 20's can play better than a guitar veteran of 40 years. Manipulator is a much more structured album than their last two: there's more melody; fewer chaotic guitar and drum parts; and no more 27 different parts to each song. Despite the overhaul that TFOT's music has undergone, the complexity and intricacy of each member's playing still remains.

Thomas Erak is still an absolute BEAST on the guitar! I often find myself totally astonished by how someone so young in both age and playing can be such a master at their instrument. The break-neck speed, and often convoluted and diverse playing style of Erak's guitar kicks the listener between the legs and leaves them sitting there wondering what the heck just happened! Erak's vocals have improved as well, and sound much more in tune than there debut album.

Bass player, Tim Ward, has never ceased in amazing me by his strong backing bass line, and this album is no different. As a matter-of-fact, Ward has grown and improved quite a bit in his playing, and stands out more on this album than on any other album.

And of course there's Andrew Forsman, a drummer who is in a league of his own! This young man plays at the speed of 100 miles per hour and you'll never hear him slip up. The sound that he produces from the few pieces that he has in his drum set is amazing. His sound is full and just like Erak, totally intricate.

Some of the things that I like most about this album is the addition of double-bass that Forsman uses in many of the songs; the VOX keyboards of Nouela Johnston; the much deeper and throatier growls of Ward; and the continued willingness to travel into the musical depths that almost all bands are to afraid to even attempt today.

I will go as far as to say that The Fall of Troy is my generation's "Yes." And for the many of you who have no idea who Yes is, they are a progressive-rock band that was most popular back in the 60's and 70's, but are still rocking today. To me, the greatest and most amazing song on this album is "A Man a Plan a Canal Panama." It is absolutely mind-blowing! It's so complex, yet still possible to dance to. This song really showcases the guitar playing abilities of Thomas Erak. There are several occasions throughout the album that Erak reminds of Steve Howe from Yes. YOU SERIOUSLY NEED TO LISTEN TO "YES!"

Other extremely notable songs on the album are "Excreations," "Cut Down All the Trees and Name the Streets After Them," "The Dark Trail," "Oh! The Casino!" "Sledgehammer," "Seatlantis," and "Caught Up." Actually, the entire album is extraordinary. The Fall of Troy boys are extremely talented, and have enough courage to venture in fusing musical elements and genres such as: Classic Rock, Metal, Hardcore, Blues, Punk, Prog-Rock, and stew it all together to create music that comes pretty damn close to being original; especially in this day in age when 95% of the bands out there all sound exactly alike!

I can't stress enough how amazing this album is. You need to go out and buy it, especially if you are a fan of: The Blood Brothers, Chiodos, Yes, and Rush... Peace, and God bless you all.Read full review...

Favorite band, clean CD

Thanks! this fall of troy CD is SICK and the live version too!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: sweatymetal

Absolutely dreadful

This album was a complete waste of my money. THe screaming is absolutely horrible his voice is just creepy. Maybe add a Spencer Chaimberlin or JOsh Scogin and it wouild be better.